Among the many firsts that the Mami film fest will pull off this October, is a retrospective of 44 Japanese films from the 1940s till date, and a chance to interact with Hollywood filmmaker Oliver Stone

We aren't quite sure when the association took place, but in the past couple of years, an arrogant elitism has come to be attached to world cinema, which is ironically meant to expose you to the many worlds that exist beyond your own.

And so, the fact that the 12th Mumbai Film Festival will be screened at lacklustre Chandan Cinema, apart from the other multiplex heavyweights, comes as good news.

Organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), in association with Reliance Big Entertainment, the upcoming film fest brings to Mumbai as many as 200 films from 58 countries, making it the largest number of films screened at any film festival ever.

"We will also be showcasing a section of restored classics including Mrinal Sen's Kandahar," said filmmaker and chairman of the MAMI Committee Shyam Benegal at a media meet held in the city on Monday.

For those who are enchanted with the land of samurais and sushi, a segment titled Celebration of Japanese Cinema will feature 44 films, including rarely-screened works by Akira Kurosawa.
u00a0
Upcoming filmmakers will have much to look forward to at the Film Business Centre that will host top sales agents and buyers from around the world.

Watch out for

Retrospective of Japanese films: From the 1930s till now, the 35 mm prints of the 44 films to be screened will see an all-India premiere of About Her Brother (2010), an elegantly-crafted melodrama by veteran director Yoji Yamada.

Famous Five: The five-member jury this year is all-women, headed by filmmaker and screenwriter Jane Campion, who will be conducting a Masterclass in direction and performance as well.

Oliver Stone: The three-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker will be presented with the International Lifetime Achievement Award, while Manoj Kumar will be honoured with the Indian Lifetime Achievement Award.

Stone will conduct a Round Table with Indian filmmakers.

First Feature films: This International competition will have 14 feature films, with all their young directors present to discuss their films.

The New Faces in Indian Cinema: Check out the first feature films of young guys changing the face of Indian cinemascape.

Prize money: A cool Rs 1 crore!

Don't missu00a0these films

The Social Network (David Flincher): Meet the guy who founded Facebook in this festival opener.

Somewhere (Sofia Coppola): The winner of the Golden Lion Venice 2010 showcases an actor living the
Hollywood life till his 11 year-old daughter pays him an unexpected visit.

How I Ended This Summer (Alexei Popogrebsky): This multiple award-winning Russian film talks about man's extraordinary ability to cope with harsh nature and extreme isolation.

Poetry (Lee Chang-dong): The South Korean auteur's film charts a grandmom's attempt to write a single poem as she deals with a failing body.

Certified Copy (Abbas Kiarostami): The film that premiered and won Best Actress (Juliette Binoche) Award at Cannes is about a middle-aged English writer who meets a French woman.

AT: Chandan Cinema (near ISKCON, Juhu), five screens at PVR Juhu, two at Metro BIG Cinemas (Marine Lines) and one at BIG Cinemas R City (Ghatkopar).
How to register: Do it before October 26. Festival tickets cost
Rs 500 (students), Rs 600 (film industry associations) and
Rs 1,000 for the rest. Register on www.mumbaifilmfest.com till October 10 or at Chandan Cinema between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm from October 11. Spot registrations will open at the other venues from October 18.